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Here’s a roundup of some of the best options for you to consider purchasing for the student in your home or the young adult getting ready to leave the nest and head off to post-secondary school.
We’ve factored in cost, security, user-friendliness and several other features that matter to any parent getting ready to invest in this important educational equipment.
Your first decision is this: what operating system (OS) do you want your child to become comfortable with? Your choice, essentially, is between Windows 10 and Chrome OS, from Google.
Both systems come with features like parental controls, access to video games, etc. — but all should be appropriate to your child’s age. And don’t forget about buying a water-resistant keyboard, just in case the juice gets spilled!
1- Apple Laptops:
Macs, including MacBook and MacBook Pro, are probably the most famous – and certainly one of the most expensive – laptops on the market today.
Macs have plenty of great things, like the ease of use and tight security; Apple may have some of the most “bulletproof” technology available today. So if security is a top priority, consider a Mac, no matter what level your child is at in school. However, if you are equipping a young teenager, get them a used Mac or pass down your own, if you have one, and get a new MacBook or MacBook Pro for yourself.
Young kids, in particular, don’t need a laptop as sophisticated as these devices. However, if you love Apple products and want your children to grow up Apple savvy, so to speak, save the splurge for yourself.
Apple has a “cyber store” within the Amazon website, so anything you purchase there is just as reliable as the one you would buy at a bricks and mortar Apple store. But be prepared to spend approximately $1,600 (USD) for a new Mac for yourself, or more. See why we suggest passing yours on to your child and getting a new one yourself?
Oh, and just a word here about the new Apple MacBook Pro 13-Inch: Apple’s keyboards were notoriously uncomfortable for some users, and this model is the last one of Apple’s laptops to get the new, enhanced keyboard finally.
But other features of this Apple laptop are better, too: there are faster memory and even more storage than what other models have had in the past.
2- Acer Chromebook 514:
This laptop is available on Amazon for about $400 (USD) and is a terrific option for children just becoming familiar with computers.
It’s aluminum back makes it stand up to bangs and drops, and it’s a budget-conscience choice that lasts all day when it’s unplugged – perfect for long days spent in class or for the student who constantly forgets to plug it in to recharge.
3- Asus VivoBook S15:
This is a terrific laptop that functions rather like an on-the-go desktop. It’s a great deal for the money — about $850 (USD) on Amazon, and performs well for high school students and older kids alike.
Its slender design makes it easy to tote around, and it comes equipped with a long-life battery for those hours kids spend with their computers unplugged.
This 15-inch notebook won raves this past May from PC Magazine, which praised it as a great, all-around laptop for not too much money. High praise, indeed.
4- Lenovo Chromebook Duet:
This laptop was another winner with PC Magazine this year, a standout for many reasons, including price. (Many models are available on Amazon, starting at about $300 USD).
This laptop is perfect for students whose computing needs are not too demanding and complicated. It comes with 128 GB of flash memory and essentially has three pieces to add up to barely more than two pounds.
First, there is the aluminum alloy tablet; second is the back panel with a kickstand so it can stand on a desk. And finally, it has a keyboard with a touchpad. A minor complaint is that the keyboard is a little small, which won’t matter if your child’s hands are small, but they might matter later on as they grow!
5- Dell Inspiron 14 7000 Series:
There are several models in this line of Dell products, ranging in price from about $830 (USD) to over $1,100 (USD). But it has earned a lot of rave reviews from computer experts for its efficiency, lightweight body and almost 24/7 battery life.
It also gets great reviews for the 14-inch screen and overall performance and comes with 8 GB of RAM. Very impressive, overall. (Many in the series are available on Amazon.)
